Professor Pringle received 1,466 votes beating his main rival former GPC chairman Dr John Chisolm by 461 votes, it was announced yesterday.

He is due to take on his new role at the end of the college’s annual general meeting on 16 November this year. But before he takes over from outgoing president Dr Iona Heath, he will have to step down from both his role as the college’s revalidation lead and its chairman of trustees.

The emeritus professor of general practice at the University of Nottingham confirmed that people would have to put their names forward to replace him as revalidation lead.

However at the time of going to press, a spokeswoman for the college was unable to confirm how the selection process would work.

Professor Pringle said his successor as revalidation lead will be facing a ‘very different proposition’ as his time was spent turning an ‘idea into a reality’. He said: ‘Revalidation will start in January. They will have to ensure it works for all doctors. There are still a few concerns about locum doctors.

‘We may have to issue more advice but at the moment I think we have probably arrived at a reasonable working position.’

On his upcoming presidential role, he said: ‘It is not about political change or policy. It is a representative role, making sure the members are represented and ensuring the college is a coherent organisation as far as GPs are concerned. I hope to be visiting all areas of the country and listening to their concerns. I hope to be able to advise the officers but it is not for me to make a decision. I hope to be able to represent its members.’